As Russia prepares for its 81st Victory Day parade, the government is implementing mobile internet restrictions following warnings from President Zelensky regarding potential Ukrainian drone strikes.
Victory Day Security Measures
The Victory Day parade commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War. On Saturday, May 9, the 81st anniversary of these events will be marked with a parade in Moscow.
Due to security concerns, Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development has announced temporary restrictions on mobile internet, SMS, and “whitelist” sites. While fixed-line internet and Wi-Fi will operate without disruption, authorities reserve the right to implement further restrictions if direct threats arise.
Zelensky’s Warnings and Ceasefire Claims
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukrainian drones could “join the parade” in Moscow and advised foreign delegations against visiting on May 9. He stated that while Ukraine proposed a ceasefire starting May 6, Russia responded only with new attacks and threats.
Zelensky noted that Russia seeks silence from Ukraine to facilitate their celebrations, adding that the Russian leadership shows an inconsistent logic by discussing potential strikes after May 9.
Diplomatic Responses to Russian Threats
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned of a potential offensive on Kyiv if the Victory Day celebrations are disrupted. Despite these warnings, the Polish Embassy in Kyiv confirmed it has no plans to change its operations.
European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stated that the EU will not change its presence in Kyiv, labeling Moscow’s public threats as a “reckless escalation tactic” intended to shift blame for aggression onto Ukraine.
